Tri-pole transmission tower

ABSTRACT

A tri-pole transmission tower includes a tower having multiple truss tower sections. The multiple tower sections have a central vertical axis as well as a cross section having circular, triangular, polygonal, or any other similar shape. The multiple tower sections are of differing perimeters. Stacking the smaller circumference or smaller perimeter sections on top of larger circumference or larger perimeter sections results in the tower “stepping” as it is constructed from the foundation to its peak. Thus, the perimeter of the nearest to the ground section of the tower is larger than the section sitting directly above it, and that section has a larger perimeter than the section of the tower sitting directly above it, and so on until the peak of the tower is reached.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure is generally directed to structures forsupporting utility and telecommunication equipment. More particularly,but not exclusively, the present disclosure describes transmissiontowers for supporting telecommunication equipment, including antenna andwires.

2. Description of Related Art

A typical monopole tower used in the telecommunications industry allowsfor transmission lines to run up the inside of the structure. Thisarrangement is such that the first carrier on the monopole remainsprotected while second and subsequent installations of transmissionlines may be damaged upon installation. Further, these lines aregenerally inaccessible to service once installed and must be changed outcompletely if a problem arises. The same antenna mounts that are used onself supporting towers and guyed towers are not usable with monopoles orhexagonal poles. Another deficiency of the monopole is that installersof the monopole typically have hesitation with respect to climbing themonopole.

Therefore, this field of art is in need of an invention to address someof the deficiencies present. The present invention presents manyadvantages and is preferable over prior towers in this field for avariety of reasons. The present invention allows for less problematicand easier installation and hanging of transmission lines. Further,typical service performed by technicians is less stressful andstraining, especially in light of technicians having a disdain forclimbing monopoles. The upkeep, maintenance, and installation are thusmade less undesirable for the technician. Protection of the transmissionlines also is served. Transmission lines in the present invention arenot susceptible to damage upon installation of later transmission lines.Further, these lines are generally accessible to service once installedand do not necessarily have to be changed out completely if a problemarises. Lastly, the same antenna mounts that are used on self supportingtowers and guyed towers are usable with the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY

To address the current needs and improving upon prior technology, thepresent invention contemplates a structure for supporting utility andtelecommunication equipment. More particularly, but not exclusively, thepresent disclosure describes transmission towers for supportingtelecommunication equipment, including antenna and wires.

Certain embodiments of present invention are provided that combine thetraditional fabrication techniques of lattice type structures with thetypical monopole structures to create a tower that is composed ofmultiple tower sections. It is desired that multiple straight truss orlattice tower sections be fabricated. The multiple tower sections have acentral vertical axis as well as a cross section having circular,triangular, polygonal, or any other similar shape. The multiple towersections are of differing circumferences in the case of circular shapedcross sections, or are of differing perimeters in the case of polygonalor other shapes. Stacking the smaller circumference or smaller perimetersections on top of larger circumference or larger perimeter sectionsresults in the tower “stepping” as it is constructed from the ground toits peak. Thus, the circumference or perimeter of the nearest to theground section of the tower is larger than the section sitting directlyabove it, and that section has a larger circumference or perimeter thanthe section of the tower sitting directly above it, and so on until thepeak of the tower is reached.

It is also contemplated that certain embodiments of the presentinvention include a foundation to which the tower would be fixedlyattached. The foundation would be composed of concrete or any othersuitable material for the construction of a foundation needed to supportsuch a transmission tower. Further, the multiple tower sections, andthus the tower in its entirety, could be optionally concealed within ashell or a plastic wrap, for example a polycarbonate or a Lexan® brandplastic, such that upon observing the tower, the lattice structure towersections would be covered by the shell or wrap. The shell or wrap wouldserve as a shroud and, among other things, would protect the latticestructure sections and any internal components from weather, wind, earthmovements, and other environmental factors. It further concealscommunication equipment, including transmission lines, from passersby.The shell or wrap is internally secured to and supported by the latticestructure and has a cylindrical, polygonal, or other shape. A finishedtransmission tower is thus characterized by a lattice structure attachedto a foundation and is optionally covered by a shell or wrap and iscreated as a finished tower with the aesthetic appearance of a monopole.

The present invention is further designed to support the weight oftelecommunication equipment as well as to be sustainable to environmentforces that may exert themselves on the tower, such as weather, wind,and earth movements.

The present invention envisions the use of construction materials suchas metal alloys, including steel, for the lattice structure andpreferably a plastic, such as Lexan® brand plastic for the shell orwrap, while other construction materials and plastics are furthercontemplated.

Numerous advantages and additional aspects of the present invention willbe apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments anddrawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the tri-poletransmission tower.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the tri-poletransmission tower.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first section of the tri-pole transmissiontower.

FIG. 3 a is a top view of a second section of the tri-pole transmissiontower.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa first way of stepping.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa second way of stepping.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa third way of stepping.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa hexagonal cross section of the tri-pole transmission tower.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa circular cross section of the tri-pole transmission tower.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the tri-pole transmission tower that illustratesa triangular cross section of the tri-pole transmission tower.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a section of the tri-pole transmission towerthat illustrates a circular truss arrangement.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a section of the tri-pole transmission towerthat illustrates a horizontal truss arrangement.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a section of the tri-pole transmission towerthat illustrates a zigzag truss arrangement.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a section of the tri-pole transmission towerthat illustrates a double zigzag truss arrangement.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the tri-pole transmission towerillustrating a first embodiment of a wrap for the tower.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the tri-pole transmission towerillustrating a second embodiment of a wrap for the tower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device and such further applications ofthe principles of the invention as illustrated therein as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates arecontemplated as within the scope of the invention

The present invention generally concerns a structure for supportingutility and telecommunication equipment and specifically contemplatestransmission towers for supporting telecommunication equipment,including antenna and wires.

Certain embodiments of present invention are provided that combine thetraditional fabrication techniques of lattice type structures with thetypical monopole structures to create a tower that is composed ofmultiple tower sections. It is desired that multiple truss or latticetower sections be fabricated. The multiple tower sections have a centralvertical axis as well as a cross section having circular, triangular,polygonal, or any other similar shape. The multiple tower sections areof differing circumferences in the case of circular shaped crosssections, or are of differing perimeters in the case of polygonal orother shapes. Stacking the smaller circumference or smaller perimetersections on top of larger circumference or larger perimeter sectionsresults in the tower “stepping” as it is constructed from the ground toits peak. Thus, in one embodiment, the circumference or perimeter of thenearest to the ground section of the tower is larger than the sectionsitting directly above it, and that section has a larger circumferenceor perimeter than the section of the tower sitting directly above it,and so on until the peak of the tower is reached. However, it should beunderstood that consecutively stacked sections could also be of the sameperimeter, and thus no stepping would occur between such stackedsections.

It is also contemplated that certain embodiments of the presentinvention include a foundation to which the tower would be fixedlyattached. The foundation would be composed of concrete or any othersuitable material for the construction of a foundation needed to supportsuch a transmission tower. Further, the multiple tower sections, andthus the tower in its entirety, could be optionally concealed within ashell or wrap made of a plastic, for example polycarbonate or otherplastic like Lexan® brand plastic, such that upon observing the tower,the lattice structure tower sections would be covered by the shell orwrap. The shell or wrap would serve as a shroud and, among other things,would protect the lattice structure sections and any internal componentsfrom weather, wind, earth movements, and other environmental factors. Itfurther conceals communication equipment, including transmission lines,from passersby. The shell or wrap is internally secured to and supportedby the lattice structure and has a cylindrical, polygonal, or othershape. A finished transmission tower is thus characterized by a latticestructure attached to a foundation and is optionally covered by a shellor wrap and is created as a finished tower with the aesthetic appearanceof a monopole.

The present invention is further designed to support the weight oftelecommunication equipment as well as to be sustainable to environmentforces that may exert themselves on the tower, such as weather, wind,and earth movements.

The present invention envisions the use of construction materials suchas metal alloys, including steel, for the lattice structure andpreferably a plastic, such as Lexan® plastic for the shell or wrap,while other construction materials and plastics are furthercontemplated.

A method of constructing and installing the tri-pole transmission toweris also contemplated. A tower is contemplated to be of any one of manyheights and includes towers with a height of 100 feet and higher. Such amethod would result in a constructed tower that is usable for a varietyof telecommunication equipment.

Referring now to the Figures, exemplary embodiments are shown and willbe described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of oneembodiment of the tri-pole transmission tower. A tower 10 is constructedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. Tower 10 sits onfoundation 11, which is composed of concrete or another materialsuitable for the stability needed as a foundation. Tower 10 may beattached to the foundation in any number of ways, including by bolts, byadhesion, or by any other means suitable for supporting a tower.

The tower sections are shown in FIG. 1 as base section 12, section 13,section, 14, section 15, and section 16. These sections make up thestructure of the transmission tower. Each of the tower sections 12through 16 has a central vertical axis that is linear with each of theother tower sections such that the tower sections have central positionsrelative to one another. In other words, the center point of each crosssection of each tower section is linear with the center point of eachother tower section. However, it is envisioned that each center point ofeach tower section does not need to be linear and may be nonlinear. Alinear arrangement results in the most symmetrical arrangement and iseasiest to install. Further, each tower section has a distal end and aproximal end. Each of these ends has its own shape that represents thecross sectional shape of each tower section.

The cross sectional shape of each lattice tower section has a multitudeof potential shapes. Such potential shapes include circular, triangular,polygonal, or any other similar shape. The shapes of each lattice towersection are preferably the same throughout, such that if section 12 hasa circular cross section, sections 13 through 16 will have a circularcross section as well. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate a sample of thepotential cross sections without limitation. FIG. 7 shows a hexagonalcross section 70. In this arrangement, base section 71 has a largerperimeter than tower section 72, which has a larger perimeter than towersection 73, which is the tower section that is the farthest distancefrom the foundation. It should be understood however that more towersections may be included beyond those that are shown such thatconsecutively stacked sections of the same perimeter would not result ina step between such stacked sections. Further, more tower sections maybe included that have a smaller perimeter than those that are shown.FIG. 8 illustrates a similar configuration to FIG. 7 except that thecross section 80 of the tower sections is circular. Thus, base section81 has a larger perimeter than that of tower section 82, which has alarger perimeter than that of tower section 83. Again, it should beunderstood as above that more tower sections may be included—thoseresulting in consecutive stacked tower sections having the same diameteras well as those having a smaller perimeter than those shown. FIG. 9illustrates a similar configuration to FIGS. 7 and 8 except that thecross section 90 of the tower sections is triangular. Thus, base section91 has a larger perimeter than that of tower section 92, which has alarger perimeter than that of tower section 93. Again, it should beunderstood as above that more tower sections may be included—thoseresulting in consecutive stacked tower sections having the same diameteras well as those having a smaller perimeter than those shown.

Each tower section is constructed and installed relative to the othertower sections. In FIG. 1, tower section 12 is situated on thefoundation. Section 12, assuming it as having a rectangular crosssection and thus having an overall prism shape, has a length 31 as inFIG. 3 and a width 32 as in FIG. 3 and thus a resulting perimeter of twotimes the length 31 plus two times the width 32. However, as FIG. 3 aillustrates, if a section 35 is constructed that is not polygonal orcircular and thus does not have all sides connecting, an effectiveperimeter is contemplated. An effective perimeter as shown in FIG. 3 ais the sum of the lengths 35 a, 35 b, and 35 c. The perimeter of towersection 12 is thus the starting point for constructing and installingthe tower sections 13 through 16. Tower section 12 will be constructedsuch that its resulting perimeter will be less than that of towersection 13. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the central axis of tower section13 is linear with that of tower section 12 and results in the two towersections being a “step” since the perimeter of tower section 12 islarger than that of tower section 13. Further, tower section 14 has asmaller perimeter than that of tower section 13 such that tower sections13 and 14 create a “step” as well. Tower section 15 has a smallerperimeter than that of tower section 14 such that tower sections 14 and15 create a “step.” Finally, as shown in FIG. 1, tower section 16 has asmaller perimeter than that of tower section 15 such that tower sections15 and 16 create a “step.” FIG. 1, while showing only five towersections, is not limiting the present invention in the number of towersections. It should be understood that as few has two tower sectionscould be constructed and installed or as many tower sections as isreasonably needed for such a transmission tower could be constructed andinstalled. It should further be understood that it is contemplated thatadditional tower sections may be included within the arrangementillustrated in FIG. 1 such that consecutive tower sections have the sameperimeter and thus do not create a step. Therefore, it is envisionedthat another tower section of, for example, the same perimeter assection 12 be installed directly above section 12 and would result inconsecutive sections having the same perimeter. A consecutive perimeterarrangement may exist at any point in the tower's arrangement of towersections.

Further in FIG. 1, trusses 17 of tower section 12 are shown. Additionaltrusses of tower sections 13 through 16 are also shown and are of thesame general arrangement as those of tower section 12. The trusses ofthe present invention are generally one of several configurations. FIGS.10 through 13 illustrate the potential configurations of the trusses.FIG. 10 shows a tower section 100 with a circular arrangement of trusses101. FIG. 11 illustrates a tower section 110 with horizontal trusses 111that connect leg 112 with leg 113. FIG. 12 shows a tower section 120with one type of zigzag truss 121 arrangement that connects leg 122 withleg 123. FIG. 13 illustrates a tower section 130 with a second type ofzigzag truss that includes two separate truss zigzags 131 and 132 thatconnect legs 133 and 134. Among the configurations that the trusses 17of FIG. 1 and the trusses in FIG. 2 take include those that areillustrated in FIGS. 10 through 13. However, it should be understoodthat the arrangement could be other such truss designs withoutlimitation.

Leg 18 of FIG. 1 provides the outermost support of the transmissiontower for each of the tower sections. Legs of the tower sectionspreferably are thirty (30) feet in length. However, it is understoodthat leg lengths of virtually any length are contemplated and suchlengths would depend primarily on the stability needed for theparticular transmission equipment that will be used on the tower as wellas the environment in which the tower will be placed. Legs are furtherpresent in each of the tower sections above the base section in FIG. 1as well as each of the tower sections in FIG. 2. The legs of the presentinvention are further illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 13, which show asingle tower section. The legs of each tower section are connected bythe trusses of each tower section as discussed above.

With further regard to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a transmissiontower 20 is constructed from a foundation 21 and lattice tower sections22, 23, 24, and 25. The tower sections in this embodiment are similarlyconstructed and installed as in FIG. 1 such that the step-likecharacteristic is preserved. However, this embodiment further includes aspacer area. The spacer area 26 of tower section 22 is constructed as amiddle sector of tower section 22. It optionally is present to dividethe tower section 22 exactly in half such that one-half of the towersection 22 is below the spacer area and one-half of the tower section 22is above the spacer area, but it is further envisioned that the spacerarea is not limited as such. The spacer area 26 could be situated suchthat more than half of the tower section 22 would be below the spacerarea 26, or it could be situated such that less than half of the towersection 22 would be below spacer area 26. As FIG. 2 shows, each of thetower sections 22 through 25 has spacer areas 26 through 29,respectively. As with the embodiment in FIG. 1, it is contemplated thatas few as two tower sections or as many tower sections as is reasonablyneeded would be constructed and installed as is shown in the embodimentof FIG. 2, and thus it is not meant to be limited to four towersections. It should further be understood that it is contemplated thatadditional tower sections may be included within the arrangementillustrated in FIG. 2 such that consecutive tower sections have the sameperimeter and thus do not create a step. Therefore, it is envisionedthat another tower section of, for example, the same perimeter assection 22 be installed directly above section 22 and would result inconsecutive sections having the same perimeter. A consecutive perimeterarrangement may exist at any point in the tower's arrangement of towersections.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 show top views of different embodiments of thetransmission tower. FIG. 4 shows an arrangement 40 of a typicalembodiment such that each of the tower sections 41 through 44 has aprism shape. As explained with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, each towersection has a smaller perimeter than the tower section below it. FIG. 4shows rectangular cross sections of the tower sections such that witheach tower section that is above a lower tower section, the higher towersection has a smaller length and a smaller width. A smaller length and asmaller width result in a smaller perimeter and thus the tower as awhole being configured in a step-like fashion. Thus, base section 41 hasthe largest perimeter followed in decreasing perimeter by tower section42, 43, and 44. However, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, either one of thewidth or length could be the same as lower tower sections while theother of the width or length is shorter than lower tower sections. Thisarrangement too results in the tower as a whole being configured in astep-like fashion. FIG. 5 shows arrangement 50 having similarly sizedwidths of the tower sections 51 through 54. However, the lengthsdecrease in size beginning with base section 51 and continuing withtower sections 52, 53, and 54. A similar arrangement would result ifinstead the tower section lengths were similarly sized with differingtower widths. As FIG. 6 illustrates, the step arrangement 60 may onlyoccur on one side of the tower with sections 61 through 64.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an optional shell or a wrap for the tri-poletransmission tower. Upon observing the tower in FIGS. 1 or 2, the trussor lattice structure tower sections would be covered by the shell orwrap. In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the wrap 140 isconstructed such that it follows the stepping configuration of thetri-pole tower. In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the wrap 150 isshown to be a tapered wrap. It does not step as the tower does butinstead begins from the foundation and tapers as it reaches the heightof the tower. The shell or wrap serves as a shroud and, among otherthings, protects the lattice structure sections and any internalcomponents from weather, wind, earth movements, and other environmentalfactors. The shell or wrap also encloses communication equipment,including transmission lines, from passersby and generally protects asabove. The shell or wrap is internally secured to and supported by thetruss or lattice structure and has a cylindrical, triangular, polygonal,or other shape. Such a wrap is preferably made of plastic, and moreparticularly polycarbonate, such as Lexan® brand plastic. However, othermaterials may also be used.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly selected embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges, modifications and equivalents that come within the spirit ofthe inventions described heretofore and/or defined by the followingclaims are desired to be protected.

1. A structure for supporting utility and telecommunication equipment,comprising: a foundation; a tower on the foundation, the tower having abase tower section and a plurality of sections such that each section ofthe plurality is stacked on top of a lower section; wherein the basesection has a larger perimeter than a section above the base sectionsuch that a step is formed between the larger perimeter base and asmaller perimeter section above the base section; and wherein a sectionof the tower comprises a truss.
 2. The structure of claim 1 and furthercomprising a wrap surrounding the tower.
 3. The structure of claim 2 andwherein the wrap is composed of plastic.
 4. The structure of claim 3 andwherein the plastic polycarbonate.
 5. The structure of claim 2 andwherein the wrap has a step configuration.
 6. The structure of claim 1and wherein each section comprises a proximal end and a distal end, eachend having a polygonal shape.
 7. The structure of claim 1 and whereineach section comprises a proximal end and a distal end, each end havinga circular shape.
 8. The structure of claim 1 and wherein each sectioncomprises a proximal end and a distal end, each end having a triangularshape.
 9. The structure of claim 1 and wherein each section compriseslegs.
 10. The structure of claim 9 and wherein the legs are 30 feet inlength.
 11. The structure of claim 1 and wherein the tower has a heightof at least 100 feet above the foundation.
 12. The structure of claim 1and further comprising a radio antenna attached to the tower.
 13. Amethod of installing a transmission tower, comprising placing a basesection onto a foundation, the base section having a first perimeter;stacking a plurality of sections on the base section, at least one ofthe plurality of sections having a perimeter that is smaller than thefirst perimeter such that the stacking of the plurality of sectionsforms a step; and wherein one of the sections of the base section or theplurality of sections comprises a truss.
 14. The method of claim 12 andfurther comprising attaching a radio antenna to the tower.
 15. Themethod of claim 12 and wherein the stacking results in a tower that hasa height of at least 100 feet above the foundation.